...but not to me. I just want to know how much difference in RPM's is there between the 5 speed Heritage models and the 6 speeds? Had an '05, and often felt the need to shift up again, at highway speeds. Just wondering if the newer model 6 speeds reach the same speeds at lower RPM's, or if the final drive numbers are the same.

Currently on a Dyna Switchback, but as all Harley owners know, there is always that itch for something else (too?)... Thanks for any info here. tmp dd50

 

I believe the reduction is about 250 RPM or thereabouts.

 

Both the 5 and 6 speed transmissions are direct drive which means in high gear one turn input results in one turn output. For some reason many think that the 6 speed is an overdrive trans and it is not.

In high gear my 14 Road King at 55 mph is close to the same rpm of my 05 Deluxe.

A 6 speed just divvies up the load through the gears more.

Personally I much prefer the shifting of a H-D five speed than the six speed. Mostly because I'm lazy.

 

Thanks. If the primary and final ratios are the same, the RPM's would be the same... I thought I read that things were the same in top gear, when MoCo went to 6 speeds, burt couldn't find it to confirm the same in my mind.

Personally, I like the long pull between gears on the earlier four speeds, but I guess MoCo had to add more gears, to keep the engine RPM's up, and compete, at least mentally, with all the Jap bikes that had six speeds.... tp

 

IMO, not when you do anything close to sport riding. A little gear change in a turn is much better than a huge downshift while negotiating the next bend in the road. (and I got to believe 6th gear has less RPMs, when I'm riding my Yamaha Warrior I'm always reaching for 6th gear)

 

Had a 13 Yamaha Road Star S 1700 for a while. Fifth was an overdrive, but the engine sounded like a rod was ready to come thru the cylinder wall, all the time. Took a loss with it. Love my Dyna, but........

Learning to understand RPM vs speed. My Ninja 650 is doing 5K at 60 MPH. Feels high to me, but the redline is 11.5K, so at 60, I'm at about 1/3rd usable RPM. Still drives me crazy. My CB500X is even worse. Man, I love low RPM bikes. tp

 

On my old bike, interstate riding sucked, because it felt like the engine was screaming jogging 70-75 mph.

My initial thought was to get a baker od6 to lower my rpm on the interstate and still maintain a good launch.

My research indicated that the old Evo in Stock form just didn't have what it takes to run over drive very well.

That led me to refreshing the engine, changing the cam, milling the heads, etc. to bump up the torque and horsepower in preparation for the six speed.

Something strange happened. By the time I was done with the engine, not only did it make a lot more power, it also ran smoother than it ever had. Suddenly I was able to cruise on the interstate effortlessly without the engine begging for mercy and without vibrating my fillings out. I found myself north of 90 mph frequently without noticing.

So, I ended up not getting the six speed because my bike was so much better just with the engine mods.

 

My next thing to do to the 01 Springer is change the gear. I am told you can change 1 tooth without changing the belt and/or rear pully to reduce the RPMs. I just changed to an Andrews 21 cam with the cam chain tensioner upgrade so I have plenty of low end grunt.

 

Interesting stuff... Thanks all. tp dd50

 

Over the years, thinking the primary ratio is a big factor but you are correct about putting a six speed in an existing 5 speed bike..

2004 Softail 5 speed
3.21
2.21
1.57
1.23
1

2009 and 2014 6 speed
3.34
2.31
1.72
1.39
1.19
1

overall ratio to rear wheels.

2004 Softail 5 speed TC88
10.11First (low)
6.958Second
4.953Third
3.862Fourth
3.150Fifth


2009 Dyna TC96
9.312First (low)
6.421Second
4.774Third
3.926Fourth
3.279Fifth
2.790Sixth

2014 Tour 103
9.593First (low)
6.650Second
4.938Third
4.000Fourth
3.407Fifth
2.875Sixth

Changing an existing 5 speed to a 6 speed should make the bike fill lighter in the lower gears. Exactly the same in 6th as with the 5 speed, however.

Baker makes a drop in 6 speed gear set for a 5 speed box. Not sure what his ratios are. Maybe he will chime in here if we PM him.